TEAN Set Me Up For The Best Experience Of My Life!! Past Review

By (Animal Sciences., University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 06/23/2012 to 11/12/2012 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more experience than words could fit on this page! I was brought out of my comfort zone and learned how to expand my horizons so that I could experience more and not limit myself. I was immersed in a culture completely foreign to me and embraced every moment of it. I do not regret a single moment of my trip and TEAN helped make it happen! I was not only able to learn more about myself, but also met the most amazing people along the way. I have forged friendships that will last a lifetime and can't wait to continue my travels and see more of what the world has to offer.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network: Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network: Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network: Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network: Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network: Auckland - University of Auckland Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Ranked amongst the top universities in New Zealand, the University of Auckland provides a fantastic education whilst challenging the minds of students to think outside of the box and reach past their comfort zones. The professors, tutors, and fellow students are all amazing resources that are more than willing to assist with transitioning into the buzzing student-life on campus, both in and out of the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was always more than willing to help students out with any matters or questions they had from health care, to school and even trips!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I did not personally have a meal plan, but grocery stores were located just up the road from the housing options provided as well as kitchens stocked with cooking supplies.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Ensure that you sign up with the healthcare system on campus when you arrive! I did not use the system personally but I know students that have and did not have any issues and found it helpful.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Students should buy basic food items upon arrival! Eating out the first few days may seem tempting but can lead to a very expensive first few weeks abroad. Ask advisors and Residents Directors to get yourself situated. Look out for local vegetable and food markets as well!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Organization
  • Preparation
  • Availability
* What could be improved?
  • Increase in housing options, although the two given were the top choices provided by the University!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the little tips to help save money early on in the semester (such as air travel websites - GrabaSeat) and the importance of getting an 18+ Identification Card early as well!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

ANTHRO104

Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Immerses you into the culture of the Pacific, teaching you not only the history of the people that populated the vast region but current news and issues. This is an awesome class especially for international students to get a better grasp on cultures in Oceania through the use of multiple guest lecturers that are experts in their fields. This class was not only engaging but kept students up to date on their assignments and readings through quizzes every other week and essay assignments throughout the semester.
Credit Transfer Issues: